By Blessing Otobong-Gabriel
Concerned PDP Forum is advocating for peace and unity within the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, emphasizing the crucial role of Sen. Samuel Anyanwu in organising the party.
Rather than the call for his suspicion by some governors, the Forum urges them to follow due process and await the outcome of any investigations rather than sowing discord.
The Convener, Concerned PDP Forum, Odih Afe Rowland said the Forum’s call for peace is timely, urging Alh. Atiku Abubakar to use his disposition to call for peace considering the party’s history of internal conflicts.
He stressed that in the past, the PDP has refused to sign peace accords, citing concerns about the influence of certain individuals.
The Forum highlighted the crucial role of individuals like Sen. Samuel Anyanwu in promoting peace and unity within the party.
According to the group, Anyanwu is a true party man who has always stood his grounds in ensuring that things regarding the party administration are done appropriately and in line with party constitution.
“This is the same man who during the presidential campaign used his personal resources to foot the bills whenever there was a short fall in the logistics of NWC members with regards to their flight arrangements, and aside this, he travelled with the campaign team to the 35 states campaigning for Atiku Abubakar.
“This is the same man former Governor Wike did not want to send HE Alh Atiku Abubakar’s name to INEC as PDP candidate, he told Wike that can never happen, that he would send AA’s name to INEC as PDP candidate and because of that Wike fought with him for over a year and half”, he said.
He added that Anyanwu was willing to give up his position as the National Secretary then while trying to reconcile Abubakar and then governor Wike by pleading with the then National Chairman of the party to step down with him so that the leadership of the party be moved to the South, thereby putting the party on the path of victory in the 2023 Presidential Election.
He added that “Senator Samuel Anyanwu is a true party man, a man who loves the party and has been there since 1998 when the party was formed, this is a man who has equally shown capacity in service to the party, both at the state level and on national level as a National Secretary”.
The Forum urged PDP governors to allow Anyanwu to by the grace of God complete his tenure as the National Secretary by December, 2025.
To achieve lasting peace, the Forum suggested that PDP governors should prioritize party unity, rather than pushing for Anyanwu’s suspension, urging them to work towards resolving their differences through internal party mechanisms.
According to the group, due process should be followed: If governors have grievances against Sam Anyanwu, they should follow established procedures for addressing such concerns, rather than resorting to public calls for suspension and the party should focus on its core values by emphasizing its founding principles and goals, the PDP can work towards rebuilding trust and unity among its members.
The Forum called on governors of the Party to prioritize peace and unity within the party emphasising that a united front is essential for the party’s success and growth.
In light of the current disagreements and disarray within the party, the Forum advocates for a wait-and-see approach until court judgments are made.
This approach, according to him, will help avoid unnecessary conflicts and maintain stability within the party.
The group also stressed the need for genuine and lasting peace.
